Winners

A disappointing unemployment claims report is helping to put a damper on the U.S. marketplace. As major domestic indices struggle to find footing, investors are seeing pockets of strength in Europe. While EPOL is leading the way higher, positive action can also be seen from troubled EU members. The iShares MSCI Italy Index Fund ( EWI) is faring particularly well; a three-day string of strength has helped its recover a respectable chunk of last week's losses.

TAN is securing a spot at the top of the winners list for a second day as the sun continues to shine on the solar energy industry. In the past four days, the fund has managed to break through its 50-day moving average and regain a good deal of the losses suffered during its steep November sell off.

Promising inflation statistics in China are helping to power copper futures higher. This upward action is a boon for JJC. Thanks to this week's three-day rally, this ETN has managed to break above its December highs.

Copper producers are benefiting as well. The Global X Copper Miners ETF ( COPX) is up over 2% in afternoon trading.

Natural gas futures-tracking products are spending another day at the top of the loser's list as a combination of warm weather and increased production drive prices lower. This week, GAZ and the United States Natural Gas Fund ( UNG) have seen nothing but red. Conservative investors should continue to steer clear.

ETFs linked to the real estate industry are taking hits, with the REIT-backed REZ leading the way lower. Even the high flying homebuilders are seeing slight losses, stifling the multi-day rallies seen from the iShares Dow Jones U.S. Home Construction Index Fund ( ITB) and SPDR S&P Homebuilder ETF ( XHB).